Empowering dialysis users and caregivers

Dialysis users need to take Phosporous binders to limit the amount of phosporous they absorb from the food they eat IN ADDITION to following a low phosporous diet.

There are three main types:

i) Calcium-containing binders are used to prevent phosphorus absorption by combining with the phosphorus that is in your gut. A common example is PhosLo®, which is calcium acetate

ii) Calcium carbonate binders are also used and can be effective. The calcium in these pills can be a problem because the calcium absorbed into the bloodstream can cause damage to other organs. An example is Tums®.

iii) Non Calcium containing binders Drugs such as Renagel® binds with phosphorus in the gut, but does not contain calcium.

Some of the medicines are tablets and some are in a chewable format. The medicines should be taken at meal times following guidance from your nephrologist in conjunction with the packet instructions.